Castleton Muscatel Tea Darjeeling Second Flush 2016

CASTLETON MUSCATEL TEA - DJ 258

TEA SEASON: SECOND FLUSH 2016

When we look back at Darjeeling Tea history, Darjeeling has been tagged to be synonymous with the muscatel flavor. Darjeeling however, is slowly evolving with time and demand. There are numerous tea gardens in Darjeeling, and Castleton Tea Estate is considered the best muscatel tea producer. Yes, it's this particular tea here with us, the "Castleton Muscatel Tea". Castleton Tea Estate is carrying on the legacy of producing it's top grade china variety Darjeeling Muscatel. Most of the other tea gardens in Darjeeling acknowledge the exclusive variety of muscatel teas produced by Castleton Tea Garden.

This 2016 Second Flush, we tried numerous invoices of the famed Castleton Muscatel Darjeeling. This DJ invoice topped the line and we picked it up. Please note Castleton produces tons of teas, but special teas like this muscatel is produced in limited quantities. Castleton produces muscatels from special sections and from special chinery tea leaves. This particular 2016 tea has been produced from the finest muscatel growing section of the tea estate, known as "Allay".

It can be confusing to know that apart from muscatel line of teas, it also produces normal FTGFOP1 leaf grade teas which looks similar in appearance. No doubt, these leaf grade teas are good quality, but greatly lacking the muscatel flavor. Plain FTGFOP1 grade teas are cheaper and easily found. This can however be also easily tagged as "Muscatel" when they are not. So beware. You might get it at a much cheaper rate than ours, but good and authentic ones always cost more. Simply because we have bought it at a higher price ourselves. A photo of the sack as we have shown here can authenticate it. The word "Muscatel" will be mentioned on it by the tea estate. Like always, we welcome you to try any of the muscatels available elsewhere. Compare with ours and you will know the difference. We have been picking one of the best in quality for more than a decade now. We will stick to our philosophy. Overall an excellent muscatel Darjeeling Tea from Castleton Tea Estate.

Castleton Muscatel Tea dry leaves:

This Castleton Muscatel Tea has an overall brownish / black overall appearance. An excellent leaf appearance pertaining to a classic Darjeeling Second Flush variety. A china variety black tea having a clean and even outlook. It maintains that proper sorting has been done to free it from other extraneous elements. Since its a china variety muscatel tea, leaves are rather smaller in size. Its a neat tea, well rolled and twisted. It consists of fair amount of silver tips. The dry leaves seems to be highly fruity. It's also nutty, reminiscent of almonds. The sweet muscatel grape like characteristics is highly prominent.

Castleton Muscatel Darjeeling Infusion:

It lends a coppery infusion comprising of dark chocolate colored leaves. It also has some hints of brown. It is fresh smelling giving the taster to assess its quality and flavor. This bright infusion has a marvelous muscatel aroma which comes mixed with various fruity characteristics. In addition to the above, this Castleton Muscatel Darjeeling also has a pleasingly sweet aroma, slightly minty as well. It has various layers of fruity aroma blended, but encompassed in the muscatel characteristics.

This photo further proves: This tea we are selling is 100% authentic.

Castleton Muscatel Cup or Liqour:

The cup has a rich mellow liqor, full bodied in the mouth. Castleton Muscatel tea has strength, color and fullness. The color tends to move more towards red. A well matured tea's cup with exceptional flavor of muscatel. A lively brisk cup with fruity flavors accompanied by a slight flowery touch. The cup is sweet and also has hints of some malty flavor. It also comes with fruity flavors of grapes. A well rounded cup that can be taken all day long. Do not steep it for too long as this too might develop some bitterness; 3 minutes recommended.

For infusion and liquor images, refer to the video above

So many of our muscatel fans are really going to be happy with this year's Castelton Tea. A perfectly balanced muscatel tea. A flawless tea made in the way Darjeeling Tea is renowned for its muscatel flavors. A must try for all muscatel fans.